Coming up -- Published Feb. 7, 2013

A gospel singer from Chicago, Wilson's debut 2012 recording - "Worship Soul" - made an immediate impact, being nominated for a Grammy Award as best gospel album.

By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By The Record
Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Music: Anita Wilson

A gospel singer from Chicago, Wilson's debut 2012 recording - "Worship Soul" - made an immediate impact, being nominated for a Grammy Award as best gospel album. "I am incredibly grateful," she said. (The Grammys will be presented on Sunday.) J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise, from Bridgeport, Conn., also perform during Gospelfest 2013: Reach Out and Praise. It's part of University of the Pacific's Black History Month program. Feb. 15, Progressive Community Church, 2820 S. B St., Stockton. $10. (209) 946-2474.

A two-time Grammy Award nominee this year, Underwood - a former "American Idol" winner (2005) - has evolved into a major pop-country success. "Blown Away," released in 2012, has sold more than 1 million copies. The title tune reached No. 1 on the country charts. It's been nominated for Grammy Awards as "best country performance" and "best country song." Now 29, the Muskogee, Okla., native sold out Stockton Arena in 2010. Hunter Hayes, from Beaux Bridge, Ala., opens the show. Feb. 26, Stockton Arena. Ticketmaster.com.

This mystery dinner/show "spoofs TV chefs, old-time detectives, art lovers and chocoholics." It's staged four times by the First Congregational Church of Stockton. Feb. 22-24. $12-$20. (209) 662-2502.

Theater: "Buddy"

Subtitled "The Buddy Holly Story," this stage musical chronicles the life and music of the 1950s rock 'n' roll pioneer from Lubbock, Texas. Of course, it centers around 20 of Holly's timeless, still-influential rockabilly tunes, including "Peggy Sue," "That'll Be the Day," "Oh Boy," "Rave On" and "Maybe Baby." Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson), who died with Holly in a Feb. 3, 1959, Iowa plane crash when he was just 22, also are portrayed. March 2-April 21, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Sonora. (209) 532-3120,

Event: Senior Follies

Some of the more experienced, 50-and-older singers and dancers in San Joaquin County pool their talents in this Broadway-based variety show. March 3, Hutchins Street Square, Lodi. (209) 333-5550.

Music: House of Floyd

This East Bay group specializes in re-creating the full effect - lights, sound, high-tech effects - that were the trademark of Pink Floyd. March 2, Grand Theatre, Tracy. (209) 831-6858.

Theater: "Little Shop of Horrors"

This version of the well-known romantic comedy with the blood-craving plant (Audrey II) stays "really true to the actual story," said director and choreographer James Reed. "It's a little bit different than the (1986) movie. We're sticking to the original (1982) Broadway version. At the hearts of it, it's a love story." His eight-member cast includes Eddie Hargreaves as Seymour, owner of a wilting skid-row flower shop, and Holly Halay as Audrey, one of his employees. "It's nice to see the magic of the puppet onstage," Reed said. March 8-30, Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane. (209) 473-2400.

Theater: "Shrek the Musical"

This stage production is based on the 2001 fantasy-comedy movie about a grouchy green ogre whose world is disrupted by a bunch of fairy tale intruders. March 8-10, Gallo Center, Modesto.

Music: Main Street Friday night

Jazz is the style of this once-a-month series that features regional musicians in a club-like setting. March 8, Grand Theatre, 715 Central Ave. Tracy. (209) 831-6858.